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Old 06-03-2011, 02:02 PM   #1
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325/60-18 on stock height van.

I have a stock height E350 van. I would like to put bigger tires and wheels on. I found a good deal on a set of wheels and tires with LT325/60R18. They are ~ 3" taller and 3" wider than stock. I was going to put wheel adapters on the back anyway. I was thinking of putting 3" adapters on the back and 2" on the front. That should make the outside of the rear tire stick out 4.5" and 3.5" on the front. With the van just sitting it appears to have enough room for the extra tire, but I’m not sure if it will when the tires are turned. Also I think the tires might stick out of the fenders ~1-1.5". I thought fender flares should cover them. I would rather go with 285/60r18, but these tires are available and I need a new set ASAP.

I'm mainly using the van to haul people, stuff, camp, and tow an early bronco. I don't use it off road for more than dirt roads.

I really don't want to lift it too much and I haven't decided if I'm going to put a front axle on it. If I have to have a lift would a 2" front coil leveling kit be enough?

Appreciate any thoughts on this subject.

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Old 06-06-2011, 12:15 AM   #2
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

325/60-18 is about a 33.25" diameter tire that is about 12.8" wide. I'm running 305/75-16's on my (12" wide, 32.8" diameter) 4x4 Quigley with about a 3" lift. I have rubbing problems, even though the front fenders have been trimmed. I can't say I'd recommend going wider.

As for spacers, I have rear spacers and have had no problems. I haven't heard of people putting spacers on the front, but I guess it could be done. Problem is, it's going to make your potential for fender rub even worse. Why? The radius of your wheel's turning arc is going to be longer, so the straight line distance (chord) from the front of the arc to the back of the arc will be longer.

Bottom line - I think you're going to have rubbing problems. Good luck.
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Old 06-06-2011, 10:02 AM   #3
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

What are spacers going to do for you? I don't use them and don't know much about them. Is it just to widen the track?
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Old 06-07-2011, 09:07 AM   #4
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

LT325/60R18 are not going to fit, I seriously doubt 285/60r18 would fit with either. Spacing the wheels out will also just make everything worst, as when you turn the wheel the outside edge of the wheel/tire will move a lot more than without spacers. First place that will rub is passenger foot well when steering is turned about 1/4 way to the right, so use that as your guide.
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Old 06-08-2011, 08:15 AM   #5
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

If your stock coils are not sagged, you can run a 31.65" tire up front (265/75 16). A 2" leveling kit and some fender trimming might let you run a 33" tire on a stock wheel.
There are many discussions here about these things, use the search.
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Old 06-09-2011, 02:31 PM   #6
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

Thanks for the reply. I'm pretty good at researching, I just wanted the experts opinions before I get new tires that I am going to be disappointed in. I read all I could, but wasn't finding anyone with that exact tire/wheel combo.

After listening to your advice I'm debating on going with 275/65-18 now. it's hard to find a tire just a tiny bit smaller with the correct load capability. according to tire rack, bfg all-terrain KOs are (section width X diameter) (11"x32.1") and 265/75-16 are (10.6"x31.7"). So the 18" rims equivalent tire is about 0.4" wider and 0.4" taller (diameter). That might be a little snug without a leveling kit, but with a 2" leveling kit it should fit fine, right?

I was going to go with spacers front and rear for a few reasons. If I do convert it to 4x4, I didn’t want to buy another set of wheels and I really want the rear to be wider for stability. I'm not too concerned with widening the front it seems fine, I was just trying to adapt 8x170mm wheels to the van. I think I’m going to stick with the van 8x6.5" pattern and worry about wheels if I convert it and leave the front alone.

The 1966 bronco i have has evolved and changed in the past, and I don't plan on evolving the van the same way. So I would like to get it right the first time. It has had P235/75-15, 31x10.50, 33x12.50, 35x12.50 and 38x15.50 on it. it now has 35x12.50 on it and I'm happy with the tire size. After I put a Cummins 4BT I downsized to 35" tires and after I put a 3 passenger rear seat I put 1.5" spacers on the bronco all around to clear the rear seat mostly, but it made it feel much more stable. I’ve had good luck with the wheel spacers on the bronco.

Aldercrest, speaking of fender flairs and trimming. I have been looking at ATS and Bushwacker which one are better? Does one let you trim more fender over the other?

Thanks for everyone’s help.

V/R
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Old 06-09-2011, 09:17 PM   #7
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

Stick spacers on the back, the Van needs them anyway, even in 2wd form. You can go 4x4 and keep 8 on 6.5 as well, many 4x4 on here are like that, including mine. It makes it cheaper conversion, but more expensive to replace front disks, as you need to get blank disks and get them drilled to the right bolt pattern, or get the older 8 on 6.5 style disks and machine them to fit the ABS stuff. Just be very careful with offset on the wheels you get, that's key in making the tires fit.
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Old 06-10-2011, 03:37 PM   #8
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Re: 325/60-18 on stock height van.

Interesting thread on this subject here:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/10647 ... -mods.html
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